Richmond Council has vowed to improve emergency procedures as part of a London-wide initiative to protect the capital against terrorism after the events of September 11.

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London and Nick Raynesford, Minister of London met council officials from Richmond, as well as other boroughs, to make response plans for fires, floods, pollution, environmental hazards and terrorist attacks.

The council tested emergency plans in March, this year and was pleased that everything ran smoothly, with most people unaware that any incident had taken place.

Emergency services, health authorities and volunteer workers will continue to be regularly tested to check response times are fast enough.

Leader of Richmond Council, Serge Lourie said: The emergency services provide protection for all residents in order that everybody is free to lead normal lives.